Reporter/Columnist | Vikings/NFL

Mark Craig has covered the NFL nearly every year since Brett Favre was a rookie back in 1991. A sports writer since 1987, he is covering his 30th NFL season out of 37 years with the Canton (Ohio) Repository (1987-99) and the Star Tribune (1999-present).

A native of Northeast Ohio, Craig covered the Cleveland Browns from 1991 until they left for Baltimore in 1995. When they returned as an expansion team in 1999, Craig left to cover Gophers football for the Star Tribune. He co-authored two books on the Browns and is the author of the Vikings book "100 Things Vikings Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die."


Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy is a master of meditation

The rookie begins and ends each day by meditating, a practice developed after a period of depression while at boarding school during COVID.


With Hockenson out, Vikings keeping close eye on his backups

Head coach Kevin O'Connell said, "It's going to be a very competitive camp at multiple positions." We're taking a look at each of those competitions as training camp gets underway. Today: Tight ends.


With contract settled, Vikings' Darrisaw sets new benchmarks

Left tackle Christian Darrisaw signed a four-year, $113 million contract extension Tuesday to become the NFL's highest-paid offensive lineman. Now he's eyeing more vocal leadership and All-Pro honors.


Vikings lose cornerback Blackmon to knee injury in first practice

Mekhi Blackmon, a second-year corner who started three games last season, tore his ACL on Wednesday.


Vikings' Addison: 'I own up to everything' after DUI arrest

Vikings receiver Jordan Addison vowed to learn from his second driving offense in the past calendar year and believes he deserves any punishment that might come down from the law, the league or his head coach.


Vikings coach taking wait-and-see approach to Addison's arrest

Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell said he will wait for the NFL's investigation and the legal process to play out before deciding whether receiver Jordan Addison warrants punishment from the team for his July 12 arrest on suspicion of driving under the influence.


Two receivers from Mercer trying to make big-league jump with Vikings

Devron Harper and Ty James, best friends from Conyers, Ga., are undrafted Vikings rookies taking aim at an FCS-to-NFL leap.


Revenge games all the rage in 2024 NFL season matchups

Mark Craig's On the NFL: There's a Super Bowl rematch on the slate, as well as a family reunion for the Harbaughs and chances for Kirk Cousins and Russell Wilson to make a statement.


Five extra points: How NFC North teams got creative in the NFL draft

The Lions took some flyers. The Bears took a punter. The Vikings filled a vital need. Mark Craig takes a look at some draft picks you might have missed.


Meet the Vikings' 2024 NFL draft class

The Vikings' seven draft picks included a QB of the future, a star edge rusher, a kicker and some help for the offensive and defensive lines.